Objective of the Game
Urland is a board game where players control the evolution of species on a primordial continent. The objective of the game is to successfully develop the most species and establish them within the limited habitat. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.
Game Components
- A game board featuring different terrain types
- Evolution cards
- Species markers for each player
- Scoreboard
- Guides and summaries for various stages of evolution
Setup
- Set Up the Game Board: Place the board in the center of the table.
- Initial Setup: Each player selects a color and receives the corresponding species markers. Players place their starting species on the starting field of the board.
- Shuffle Cards: Shuffle the evolution cards and deal each player a specified number of cards (according to the rulebook).
- Place Score Trackers: Keep track of each player’s score on the scoreboard.
Gameplay
- Rounds: The game is played over rounds, each consisting of several phases.
1. Exploration
- Each player draws new evolution cards to obtain new abilities or adaptations for their species.
2. Mutation
- Players can use evolution cards to modify their species, granting them special characteristics like increased reproduction or resistance to environmental effects.
3. Expansion
- Players expand their species into adjacent tiles, provided they meet the requirements (such as terrain type, availability of species markers).
4. Habitat Competition
- If two species land on the same tile, players may need to compete for the habitat. Specific cards can aid in winning these battles.
5. Scoring
- At the end of each round, the status of each species is assessed and points are awarded based on the number of controlled tiles and developed species.
Special Features
- Strategic Planning is Key: The choice of evolution cards and species adaptations to the environment are crucial.
- Interaction with Other Players: Watch how other players spread across the board as indirect competition is often beneficial.
- Long-Term Planning: Players should plan ahead to determine which evolution cards might be useful in future rounds.
Victory Conditions
- The game ends after a predetermined number of rounds or when certain events, such as complete continent colonization, occur.
- The player with the most points is the winner.
Tips
- Try to balance expansion with strengthening your existing species.
- Use environmental hazards to your advantage by adapting well and pushing back opponents.
